Matthew 7: 24-27

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Scripture: Matthew 7:24-27 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And everyone that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Observation: Christianity is a not a religion, it is a relationship... and relationships require action. In the text, Jesus is speaking - telling us the difference between two men who have both heard His words. One acts on the them, the other does not. In the time of trouble, one man has a solid foundation - a good, strong relationship... the other does not. But both heard the same things. There was no deep wisdom imparted to one and not the other... it simply comes down to action.

Application: In our everyday lives, we are faced with a constant choice... will we let the words of our Saviour change us, or will we simply listen and let the wisdom pass us by? Each time I open my bible or listen to preaching, or even sing a hymn, there is a challenge hidden within... will I yield my heart to God and allow His words to change my life?  Jesus says that the wise man 'heareth' His sayings and 'doeth' them and because of that, he withstands the troubles and trials in life. When the troubles and trials come into my life... I want to have the confidence that my relationship with Christ will withstand them. I want to know that I have let Jesus change me and fashion me into that which is pleasing to Him.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I cannot thank You enough for Your precious Word or for the trials You have led me through. I pray that there would never be a time when I would close my bible or leave the preaching without Your words having changed my life. Thank you Lord for the many times  Your word has already strengthened me during the wind, rains and floods that have come into my life. I ask Lord, that you help me to always act upon what You have showed me in Your word. And Lord, I pray for those who do not act on Your word, that you would soften their hearts and turn them back to You. Help me to be an example and an encouragement to them. In Jesus name, Amen.